Deaths from accidental overdoses among Australia’s elderly are climbing sharply, with doctors warning that confusion around medications, multiple prescriptions, and stigma surrounding drug use are fuelling a silent crisis.
Speaking to Neos Kosmos, Dr Magdalena Simonis described the issue as “one of the commonest causes of unintentional death in patients admitted to hospital,” pointing to the layers of complexity facing older Australians.
Confusion around prescriptions
Part of the problem lies in the way medicines are dispensed. “Patients are often very confused about what they are taking,” Dr Simonis explained.
“A doctor might prescribe Zoloft, but the packet may arrive labelled as sertraline. With blood pressure tablets, there could be ten different trade names for the same ingredient. Each time they go to the pharmacist, they might receive a different version, with a different name, colour or packaging. It’s not only confusing for patients, sometimes even doctors are left unsure if they’re talking about the same drug.”
This confusion can be deadly. Elderly people living alone and juggling multiple conditions may accidentally double-dose or mix medications incorrectly.
“If they don’t take them at exactly the same time, they might think, ‘I don’t think I took my medication,’ and take another dose. This is where Webster packs become essential,” she said.
Interactions and hidden risks
The risks are compounded when older patients visit different doctors for different conditions.
“They might take something to help them sleep and another tablet for pain. The way these interact can multiply rather than just add up, making them very drowsy, prone to falls, and at risk of overdose, especially with opioids,” Dr Simonis warned.
The problem extends beyond prescriptions.
“Some people in their 50s or 60s may still be using opioids like heroin from earlier in life without telling anyone because of shame. Their bodies process drugs differently as they age, making overdose easier, especially if combined with alcohol. Alcohol and drugs are a really bad combination,” she said.
New complications: online cannabinoids
Adding another layer is the rise of online cannabinoid use. “We are seeing more patients accessing cannabinoids online without telling their doctor. That secrecy creates more risk. Your doctor needs to know this so we can keep you safe,” Dr Simonis urged.
Breaking stigma through transparency
For Dr Simonis, tackling the problem begins with open conversations.
“Drug use is hardly ever discussed in the GP’s office with older people. Smoking, maybe. Cannabinoids less so. But opioids? Never. Transparency is my main message. There should be no shame, no stigma. Some people are more prone to addiction than others. This can be managed.”
She emphasised that effective treatments exist: medications that can counteract overdoses, as well as therapies to help patients wean off dependence.
“But it requires partnership with the doctor. That’s the kind of conversation we need to have,” she said.
As Australia’s population ages, Dr Simonis warns that the health system must adapt quickly.
“Without clear explanations from pharmacists, without addressing isolation and confusion in the elderly, and without breaking the silence around drug use, accidental overdoses will remain a preventable tragedy.”
